Rain coverage ramps up this afternoon

SUNDAY AFTERNOON OUTLOOK

Storm activity is ramping up across Southwest Florida this afternoon. We had a few showers move through Collier County this morning, but the bigger story is unfolding now as scattered thunderstorms become more numerous along the coast and spread inland.

Storms will continue developing through the afternoon, with activity gradually pushing east of I-75. Some storms could produce heavy rain, gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief periods of torrential downpours.

We’re expecting around 70% coverage today, with highs reaching the low 90s. It’s hot, humid, and increasingly stormy, so if you’re heading out this afternoon, keep an eye on the sky and have a way to track storms nearby.

MONDAY

The workweek starts off on a similar note. Monday morning should be relatively quiet for the morning commute, but scattered thunderstorms will build back in during the afternoon and evening, with another round of storms possible around the evening commute.

Temperatures remain hot, with highs in the low 90s.

LOOKING AHEAD

Looking ahead to Tuesday, slightly drier air could begin moving into Southwest Florida as a late-season plume of Saharan dust filters into the region. That could knock storm coverage down somewhat, but afternoon thunderstorms will still be possible each day.

IN THE TROPICS

Out in the central Atlantic, there’s an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with a trough of low pressure.

For now, the system is dealing with hostile upper-level winds, which are limiting its chances for development. However, conditions could become somewhat more favorable later this week.

The good news: this system is not a threat to the United States.

For now, the main weather story is much closer to home: storms are firing up across Southwest Florida this afternoon, so stay weather-aware if you have outdoor plans.